Paul Kidson appointed Principal from 2010
By: Anthony Head
Posted 20 August 2009
The School Council of St Paul’s Grammar School has announced that the new principal of the school from January 2010 will be Mr Paul Kidson.
St Paul’s will be Mr Kidson’s third principalship. ‘He comes to us with a rich background in education and educational leadership,’ said Mr Don Harwin, Chair of the St Paul’s Grammar School Council.
Mr Kidson attended Trinity Grammar School as a student and studied Arts at Wollongong University, where he also gained a Diploma in Education. His Master of Education with First Class Honours and the University Medal were from the University of new England, the thesis for which was in the field of integrated Christian education, an issue which is fundamental to the St Paul’s ethos. Currrently, he is undertaking doctoral studies in the area of Christian Educational Leadership.
He has been an English and Drama teacher at Christian Community School in Regents Park, Head of Drama and teacher of Religious Education at Newington College, and Deputy Principal – Curriculum / Director of Studies at All Saints College at Bathurst, Foundation Principal of Macquarie Anglican School Dubbo, Director of Studies at Ballarat Grammar School in Victoria and Head of Shoalhaven Anglican School.
Mr Kidson is highly regarded in the educational field, being published in the peer reviewed Journal of Christian Education. He is Secretary of HICES (Heads of Independent Co-Educational Schools), and a member of the Australian College of Educators, the Australian Council of Educational Leaders, the Australian Institute of Management, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Headmasters’ Conference and AHISA (Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia).
With strengths in the performing arts and sport, Mr Kidson has directed 18 drama productions across his various schools, and has coached a number of GPS and ISA rugby teams, including one to an ISA premiership.
Mr Kidson is married to Vanessa and they have three sons. Their eldest completes Year 12 this year and will undertake a GAP year in England next year. Their younger sons will be joining the Middle School at St Paul’s next year.
‘Our School Council is absolutely delighted that Mr Kidson is to be our next principal,’ said Mr Harwin. ‘His background, experience, beliefs and vision equip him admirably to continue the mission of the school, and to build on the excellent work of his predecessor, Dr Collier.’
Dr John Collier, who has twelve years distinguished service as Principal at St Paul’s, has been appointed as the Principal of St Andrew’s Cathedral School Sydney from January 2010.
